Join us at flying Canoë Volant! Experience the magic of winter in a warm and lively atmosphere in the heart of Bonnie Doon. Bundle up, in your warm coats and come out with the whole family and discover the legend of la chasse-galerie ( The Flying Canoe).

Volunteer with us!

Come be a part of a growing community event, be outdoors in the winter at night and meet dynamic and interesting people! Speaking French is an asset, however it is not a requirement... an opportunity to brush up on your French! (more details below)

Flying Canoë Volant

The Flying Canoe Adventure is a unique, night time, outdoor winter event. We invite you to discover the legend of La Chasse-galerie (The Flying Canoe), a combination of French-Canadian and First-Nation legends told by various lost canoeists along a lit trail in the Mill Creek Ravine. Horse-drawn wagons offer rides from the ravine to Rutherford School. Visit the Café Croissant at the School for some delicious treats. New this year there will be a trading poste with our FQM vendors in the school yard. Across the street is The City of Light / La Cité en Lumières (La Cité Francophone, 8627 91 Street) where there will be three live music performances a night, an outdoor patio, a snow slide and children's activities. A fun time for all!

Origins

The story of the Flying Canoe can be traced back to a French legend about a rich nobleman named Galerie, who loved to hunt. He loved it so much that he refused to attend Sunday mass. As punishment for this sin, he was condemned to fly forever through the night skies, chased by galloping horses and howling wolves, in a fashion reminiscent of the Wild Hunt.

When French settlers arrived in Canada, they swapped stories with the First Nations peoples and became a tale of a flying canoe.